Victorian cancer plan released

Today more than 30,500 Victorians are diagnosed with cancer each year. As our population grows and ages, Cancer Council Victoria estimates this figure will increase to almost 42,000 by 2029.

With such challenges ahead, the State Government has released Victorian Cancer Plan 2016-2020 that aims to improve cancer outcomes for all Victorians.

The plan's ambitious goals include saving 10,000 lives by 2025 and halving the proportion of Victorians diagnosed with preventable cancers by 2040.

Cancer Council Victoria CEO Todd Harper said the plan provided an opportunity to address the burden of cancer through long-term investment across all areas of the cancer spectrum. This includes prevention, early detection, treatment, support and research.

"As the number of people living with cancer continues to grow, there is a need to ensure Victorians are supported to navigate an increasingly complex health system," Mr Harper said.

In addition to lifesaving research, Mr Harper welcomed the focus on preventing cancers linked to lifestyle such as obesity, tobacco and over-exposure to sun, and applauded access to support services particularly in regional areas.

This is the first plan developed under the Improving Cancer Outcomes Act 2014, with a new plan to be released every four years.